A travelling carnival takes in a young fugitive by te name of Ben Hawkins after they bulldoze his home; In California, a preacher has a vision that something mysterious and powerful is coming.
A practical joke helps Ben figure out part of his mysterious past; Sofie takes care of her comatose mother; Brother Justin tries to turn the brothel Chin's into a place of worship.
Sofie helps Ben search for clues to his past; the carnival runs into conflict when the town of Tipton refuses to let them set up; Brother Justin's congregation gets upset when he follows through on a promise to the migrants.
Curious about his past, Ben allows Lodz to test his powers; Appolonia disapproves when Sofie spends time socializing with a handsome cafe owner; Brother Justin is forced to choose between his new ministry at Chin's and his old congregation.
The carnival arrives in Babylon and Samson takes the carnies out for a night on the town at the local saloon; Ben falls down a mine shaft and discovers a mysterious man who he recognizes along with a dead body.
Iris gets some unexpected support from a radio reporter. At the carnival, Rita Sue and Stumpy argue over the future of their family; Ruthie needs nakes for her act so she and Ben go hunting for some.
Samson sends Ben out to enlist a new attraction for the carnival; Sofie considers defying her mother.
Ben tries to stay awake to avoid his dreams; Samson tries to drum up new business; Iris tries reaching out to Brother Justin over the radio.
Brother Justin goes back to Mintern; Lodz and Lisa wait for Ben to give in to sleep; Libby discovers her mother's deception.
Lodz hatches a plan to reach Ben; Sofie reads Stumpy's cards but doesn't like what she learns; Iris proves that she will do anything to help her brother's career.
Ben asks Lodz for advice; Sofie settles a score with Libby and Jones; Stumpy and Rita Sue strike a deal in an attempt to save their marriage.